An empty campus on March 19th. Photo courtesy of Sophia Angele-Kuehn. Questions by Sophia Angele-Kuehn
- What does a typical day-in-your-life look like?
As soon as classes started up again, I tried to get back on a regular schedule. I usually aim to get up around 10 am, but sometimes I have to get up at 9 am. It can look very different depending on the day. I have classes throughout the week and am currently working on a thesis, but I only have 3 actual classes that I have to “show up” to. I try to grab meals at the specific times that Harris has hot food, which also helps me stay on a schedule (the hours are a bit different now since we are only 50-ish students on campus). I serve as VP on SGA, so I still have a lot of meetings and emails to tend to because of that position. SGA is still extremely active, especially as of late as we are trying to adapt to the new situation. I have a few friends on campus, and we have kind of been doing a “group quarantine” where we are only in close proximity with one another, so usually grab dinner together and hang out later in the day or go on walks/exercise in the afternoon. The main thing I struggle with in the afternoon after class is trying to stay productive and do work. I am not usually someone who likes to spend a lot of time in their room, but given the limited areas that are open on campus, it has been a challenge to come up with new spots to sit and get a change of scenery and do work.
- What does your social life look like now? How do you keep in contact with friends and family? Do you have any new friends on campus?
Luckily I have three close friends who were also approved to stay on campus, so that makes the whole experience much less lonely. We joke about the situation, which keeps the mood up, and we’ll go on walks in the arbo and eat dinner together. Other than that, I have video chats and calls with at least one or two friends/family members every day. Now that so many of us are stuck at home, it makes it easier to keep in touch — spontaneous FaceTime calls are the new norm, and it’s a nice change from previously always texting people. I’ll also video chat with some friends. Most recently, we have been getting into playing Cards Against Humanity online, which kind of takes our mind off of the situation we are in. I have been talking to my friends about how this whole situation is giving us the tools to stay in touch once we all move on from college and are working in different states and countries.
- How do you get food?
Harris is still open, but it’s all put in to-go boxes. For precautionary reasons, we aren’t allowed to sit and eat in Harris anymore, so that is a bit strange. There are a lot of to-go options ready, and hot food is still served. It is nice to still be able to pick up food at Harris, because I can see some of the other students on campus and the amazing staff members who chat with everyone. It has turned into a bit of a “social hour” in a way.
- What do you do in your free time/on the weekend?
The days and the weekends kind of bleed together, but I try to distinguish between weekday and weekend so I can take some time off and get outside if it is nice weather, or relax and watch a movie. It is hard not to feel like you are supposed to be productive, but one of my friends reminded me that it is okay to take a break and have off days, so I try to allow myself to not feel guilty if I haven’t been productive and take time off when needed.
- How do you keep safe from COVID-19?
Being on campus gives us the best possible option to be safe, which is really nice. The college seems to be taking as many precautions as possible when it comes to the threat of the virus spreading among the students and staff. As a student, I feel very safe from COVID-19.
- How do you stay motivated/positive?
As many other students are probably experiencing, it is definitely hard to stay motivated and positive. Homesickness comes and goes, and as a senior, the ghost of senior year still lingers when I walk around campus. I make sure I get outside and get fresh air every day because that instantly puts me in a better mood. I also try to not stay in bed and in my room all day. Another way I stay positive is by keeping in touch with my friends virtually, and hanging out with my friends who are still on campus. Interaction with other people instantly takes my mind off of the current situation, which can be difficult when COVID-19 is all anyone seems to talk about anymore. The group of students and staff that has stayed on campus also adds a bit of comfort: seeing familiar faces and having regular conversations and chatting adds a bit of normalcy to our everyday routines. •
